How to Survive a Plague (2012)

The story of two coalitions -- ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) -- whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Director:

David France

Writers:

David France, Woody Richman (as T. Woody Richman)

Stars:

Peter Staley, Larry Kramer, Iris Long

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 13 wins & 19 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ed Koch	...	Himself (archive footage)
David Barr	...	Himself
Bob Rafsky	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jim Eigo	...	Himself
Ann Northrop	...	Herself
Larry Kramer	...	Himself
Gregg Bordowitz	...	Himself
Peter Staley	...	Himself
Bill Bahlman	...	Himself
Spencer Cox	...	Himself
Barbara Starrett	...	Herself
Iris Long	...	Herself (archive footage)
Franke-Ruta Garance	...	Herself (as Garance Franke-Ruta)
Mark Harrington	...	Himself
Jesse Helms	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

In the early years of the AIDS epidemic, the disease was considered a death sentence affecting communities, like the LGBT ones, whom many in power felt deserved it. This film tells the story of how militant activists like ACT-UP and TAG pushed for a meaningful response to this serious public health problem. As the activists struggled against political indifference, religious hostility, corporate greed and apparently skewed scientific research priorities with determination and sheer audacity, they produced a political wave that would lead to not only an effective treatment regime, but would advance LGBT rights beyond anyone's expectations.

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Plot Keywords:

death | treatment | act up | aids | st. patrick's cathedral manhattan new york city | 

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Genres:

Documentary | History | News

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 November 2013 (UK)

Also Known As:

AIDS-pioneerit

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$28,250, 23 September 2012, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$132,055

Company Credits

Production Co:

Public Square Films,Ninety Thousand Words,Ted Snowdon Foundation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Larry Kramer: [addressing to an angry protester] Plague! We're in the middle of a fucking plague, and you behave like this? ACT UP has been taken over by a lunatic fringe!

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Connections

Featured in The Oscars (2013)

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Soundtracks

Answer Me
Performed by The Dap-Kings
Written by J. Bignan (BMI)
Taken from teh Album '100 Days, 100 Nights'
Courtesy of Dapton Records

User Reviews

Great and extremely sad film. Glad that I stumbled upon it.

What a great documentary.

Such incredible people. Their courage and strength will be imprinted on others forever. I watched it last night and I can't stop thinking about it today. So beautiful how the community came together to try and save each others lives and so sad that so many died and so many were left with grief. I think Iris was hugely instrumental in the whole take off of the movement. Good on her for caring enough to do something about it. Very well put together story. Glad that I watched this, I am going on a trip to New york this year and it will give the visit a bit more meaning for me.